An outstanding early example of rare form of a classic Indonesian dagger from the Gayo, north Sumatra region, called the Rencong, this exquisite dagger has a fine hilt in a rare form called a Hulu Puntung. This form of hilt with a truncated end and carved with leave shaped form is rarely found on the classic Gayo and Acehnese Rencong. The blade of this example has the classic shape of the down swept blade with an inside edge, similar to a Turkish Yataghan, while the handle has a fitting in the shape of a double crown in Solid Gold with elements of Enamel. The Rencong is the traditional weapon of Ace hand Acehnese folklore ascribes mystical attributes and supernatural powers. The Acehnese note that the Rencong takes the shape of the Muslim invocation, "Bismillaah In the name of God, the merciful and compassionate." While the hilt form of this Rencong indicates that it is from the Gayo people who live in the highlands of the Aceh province, the distinct shape elements nonetheless indicate stylistic similarity to the classic Acehnese style Rencong. On sight field research has indicated based on professors at the Department of Education and Culture in Aceh, that the component parts of the Rencong can be likened to individual letters of the formal Arabic script Huruf Gundul, literally bare lettering, of the phrase Bismillaah. The hilt of the Rencong is in the shape of "Ba". The decoration at the base of the hilt is "Sin". The blade's shape is "Mim". The shape of the metal parts at the top of the blade is "Lam". The base of the scabbard has the shape of the letter "Ha". Together, "Ba, Sin, Mim, Lam and Ha" make up the world, "Bismillaah". The length of most Rencongs varies drastically from very short examples of 3-4" to nearly 20" but is distinguished by the shape of the blade, which slightly undulates and is slightly hollowed along its back. The underside of the blade has a protuberance called Duru Seuke, chiseled like the Keris Greneng. Blade exhibiting very fine Damascus steel patterns and shows exceptionally thick spine. A truly Outstanding gold-mounted example worthy of a noble or royal figure, and of an exceptionally impressive size for its kind. Dating from the mid to late 19th century.

Overall : 17 3/4"  Blade : 11 3/4"